Miniature artist Jennifer Novack of ‘Violet Pie’ grew up in the Midwest.  Her parents were artists; her mother a dancer and singer, and her father an artist and Jazz musician.  Initially Jennifer went into dancing, and taught ballet for a few years before re-entering school to obtain a bachelor’s degree in painting.  ” I met a guy, another artist, who wanted more than anything to go to graduate school in New York. So we did. I lived there for five years, graduated with a Master’s degree in painting, worked as an artist’s assistant, painted murals, then eventually returned to Wisconsin.” Jennifer still  paints murals but not as often.  “I still paint murals to make a living, but I don’t enjoy it much anymore, because I’ve found something I like much better… dolls! My interest in dolls surfaced when I began seeing both Blythe and Ball Jointed Dolls on the internet. I was hooked!”

Jennifer discovered BJDs in 2007 and now has a small collection. “As of now I have 2 Dollstown girls:  Seolas 7 and 13… an Elfdoll Yumi, Secretdoll Yoi, Latidoll Miel, Narin Dandelion, Planetdoll Riz and Mini Riz… and a DT Yeondu ‘Floating head’.”  She decided to make accessories for her dolls and found a Japanese pattern book of tiny animals. She wanted to make some little creatures for her dolls because, she states “I am a huge animal lover.” In searching for ways to make her own designs, Jennifer found a needle felting kit on eBay. She said, “I fell in love with the technique. It just became a more natural way to create these little creatures that inhabit my imagination… and they continue to evolve.” She describes her work as “a passion,  and almost a livelihood. I sell out of my etsy shop, but also take a lot of custom orders from doll collectors. I make a LOT of custom orders! I always have a list of customers waiting for me. I love getting new ideas from people, love trying new things and new challenges.”

“I now like combining mohair fur with the felting, and have lots of new plans and ideas. I’m also starting to get into some shows around the US. She lists her recent shows. “I was in a show last year in Australia at a gallery called Ruban Rat. This year I’m going to be in a show at Bear and Bird Gallery called “Stitch Wars”, with plush creations inspired by Star Wars. And there is a show in Maryland called “Mortal Plush”, with creations showing human emotions, and then Plush You is doing a show in August which I have been accepted for.  I am also now working on patterns for Simplicity Patterns. Hopefully they will debut in the catalog next spring.”

Jennifer likes making different sizes of creatures. “As far as sizes of dolls and my toys, I make all sizes, and it’s surprising how big and small both seem to work with most dolls. Sometimes I like a big toy with a doll, and sometimes a tiny one is cute too.” She adds  “Now, after all that serious art schooling, and art history, I’ve become a toy maker instead. I’m happier than ever because I feel I’ve found my voice as an artist.”

Violet Pie Etsy Store

Violet Pie Toy Blog

Janesdolls Jennifer’s Doll Blog